Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

A butcher block countertop in the wine cellar is the ideal surface for removing stubborn corks and pouring wine into expensive stemware. It also provides guests easy access to snacks during events.

Yellow vertical cabinets provide readily accessible storage. The yellow color brightens the space and gives the laundry room a fun vibe. Wood shelves balance the space and provides additional storage.

KraftMaid cabinetry extends from the House Beautiful 2014 Kitchen of the Year into the adjacent living area. The buffet finished in Onyx paint creates a practical serving area, while the open shelving provides accessible storage.

With the tall ceilings and ample windows, this room has the natural lighting you want, yet the dark wide plank floors provide the warmth we enjoy. The sliding door provides direct access to a beautiful outdoor space.

Before Photo Actually the initial installation years ago was a good job by a very competent carpenter. They installed the decking in panels to provide access and except for the fact that it was just worn out - it had been a very good deck.

North Idaho Masonry & Hardscape Center provided the materials for this lovely access path in this historical retrofit backyard - designed by Environment West

Small trendy single-wall ceramic tile and white floor dedicated laundry room photo in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite countertops, white walls and a stacked washer/dryer

Bathroom - modern bathroom idea in Louisville

The Inverness Bathroom remodel had these goals: to complete the work while allowing the owner to continue to use their workshop below the project's construction, to provide a high-end quality product that was low-maintenance to the owners, to allow for future accessibility, more natural light and to better meet the daily needs of both the husband's and wife's lifestyles. The first challenge was providing the required structural support to continue to clear span the two cargarage below which housed a workshop. The sheetrock removal, framing and sheetrock repairs and painting were completed first so the owner could continue to use his workshop, as requested. The HVAC supply line was originally an 8" duct that barely fit in the roof triangle between the ridge pole and ceiling. In order to provide the required air flow to additional supply vents in ceiling, a triangular duct was fabricated allowing us to use every square inch of available space. Since every exterior wall in the space adjoined a sloped ceiling, we installed ventilation baffles between each rafter and installed spray foam insulation.This project more than doubled the square footage of usable space. The new area houses a spaciousshower, large bathtub and dressing area. The addition of a window provides natural light. Instead of a small double vanity, they now have a his-and-hers vanity area. We wanted to provide a practical and comfortable space for the wife to get ready for her day and were able to incorporate a sit down make up station for her. The honed white marble looking tile is not only low maintenance but creates a clean bright spa appearance. The custom color vanities and built in linen press provide the perfect contrast of boldness to create the WOW factor. The sloped ceilings allowed us to maximize the amount of usable space plus provided the opportunity for the built in linen press with drawers at the bottom for additional storage. We were also able to combine two closets and add built in shelves for her. This created a dream space for our client that craved organization and functionality. A separate closet on opposite side of entrance provided suitable and comfortable closet space for him. In the end, these clients now have a large, bright and inviting master bath that will allow for complete accessibility in the future.

The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. The shape of structure was also dictated by the stairs below. The new stairs had to be angled over the stairs from the first to the second floor such that the lower set of stairs provided head clearance. That set the L-shape and angles of the roof access structure. We used a 3D modeling program called Revit to review four critical height locations. This assured us the design provided the necessary stair clearance without making structure on roof visible from the street. The clients wanted a contemporary look for the stairs, and selected stainless steel cable rail. This material also allows natural light to pass through. We also rebuilt the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, so all the stairs have a consistent look. HDBros

Inspiration for a large contemporary walk-out light wood floor and brown floor basement remodel in DC Metro with white walls and no fireplace

Glossy white cabinets contrasted by black hardware, drawer boxes and countertops in this contemporary kitchen space. A peninsula provides a casual seating option, accessible from the kitchen or dining area.

A pocket door replaced a closet bi-fold door to give better access to the laundry sink. Open shelves over the washer and dryer provide visual interest.

The goals included a Victorian Period look and universal design features. Wider isles for wheelchair mobility was incorporated. The farm sink is pulled forward for access. the touch less faucet and anti-microbial copper sink are never a bad idea. Other interesting features include armoire doors on the oven and refrigerator and freezer doors provide access. The “Scullery Area” features flush inset doors by Woodharbor painted Morel, and features Soapstone counters with integrated drain board, custom copper undermount sink. Walnut shelves by Woodharbor for Clawson Cabinets, Antique Brackets and hardware— “customer find”. Brass rail and s hooks by deVOL. and a microwave drawer. All details that provide access at the lower level for both children and people with reach limitations.

Lower deck provides egress from finished basement to wooded back yard and walking trail access.
Mid-sized traditional red two-story brick exterior home idea in Little Rock

A new set of fieldstone retaining walls match the home's rock foundation. A set of steps provides access to a concrete paver patio off of the home's kitchen door.

The spacious, well-lit Root Cellar offers generous room for storage while providing easy access to the home's essential systems. Even the areas behind the scenes reflect the same level of craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail found throughout Saltillo Mountain

A key space in this building is the bike and lawn shop. The walls are covered with peg board for convenient storage of just about everything. An overhead door provides easy access to bikes and lawn tractors. Judy Coutts, AIA Architect